Columbia's hunt ends with Wood

By By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
May 9, 2003
PHILADELPHIA Sometimes a man hunts a job. On other occasions, the job hunts the man.
The second scenario was the case for Philadelphia head football coach Marcus Wood, who announced he has taken a similar position at Columbia, where NFL great Walter Payton began his legendary career.
Former Meridian head coach Bill Sartin actually got the ball rolling in Wood's court.
In his two years at Philadelphia, the Tornadoes were 14-9. They went 7-5 in 2001, beating Velma Jackson 35-28 in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs before losing 23-0 to Collins in the second round.
The 2002 Tornadoes also made the playoffs, losing 34-12 at Hazlehurst in the first round.
Highlights of both of Wood's years were wins over Neshoba Central and Choctaw Central, as the Tornadoes maintained superiority in Neshoba County.
Prior to the 2001 win over Velma Jackson, Philadelphia's last playoff victory was a 36-15 blowout at Bassfield in 1998.
At Columbia, Wood follows Steve Jones, who leaves the Wildcats after one year to become head coach at Ocean Springs.
Columbia went 10-3 in 2001, Porter's last year before taking an administrative job.
Wood may not be the only Philadelphia coach to head south to Columbia.
Philadelphia will drop from Class 3A to 2A this fall, and Wood said he believes that will help his former team make a longer playoff run.
Wood said he had 61 players out in spring training at Philadelphia, which was held in February.
Wood has been handling his teaching duties at Philadelphia until 11:20 a.m. before heading to Columbia for spring training the past two weeks.
Columbia went 6-6 last fall. The Wildcats' non-division opponents this fall include Oak Grove, Magee, and defending 3A state champion Collins.
Philadelphia athletic director Keith Robinson said the school will be taking applications through May 16.